Preston hero’s First World War medals fetch £144k

Medals belonging to a Preston war hero have been sold at auction for £144,000.

The First World War Victoria Cross awarded to Private James Towers and other medals belonging to him went under the hammer at an auction in London and were bought by an Internet bidder.

He was awarded the VC for his bravery. He volunteered to take a message to a stranded platoon, despite having seen five previous messengers killed.

It was auctioned off by Dix Noonan Webb - no details of the buyer have been released.

The firm confirmed they were bought by an Internet bidder.

The hammer price was £120,000 and after fees the total paid was £144,000.

James Towers served with the 2nd Battalion The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), and was awarded his Victoria Cross at Mericourt in France on October 6 1918.

James’ granddaughter Glynis Castle, from Fulwood said: “The guide price was £130,000 to £160,000 it’s not the monetary value - you can’t put a price on something like that.” Glynis had hoped the medals would be bought by Lord Ashcroft because he has bought other VC medals and allowed them to be displayed in museums, but it is understood the winning bidder was a private collector.